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Friday, July 29, 2011

Thanks to your support, KeepOurPromise is protecting Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Keep us working for you!
On July 19, KeepOurPromise helped organize an emergency briefing on Capitol Hill with members of Congress, staff, and experts.
On July 20, we met with 85 Congressional offices and organized a national call-in day.
On July 21, David Shuster reported that Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Raul Grijalva took our message to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. According to Shuster's comments on Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Rep. Grijalva warned Rep. Peolosi that House progressives refuse to follow President Obama's lead on cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Not only that, but her own leadership position "would be challenged."
On July 22, eighty House members joined Rep. Grijalva and the other CPC Co-Chair Congressman Keith Ellison in a letter to Rep. Pelosi which reads in part:

"We are united as Democrats in saying that it’s time to stand up to the Republican hostage-taking. We will not be forced to vote for a 'final agreement' that we do not agree to--and that the American people do not agree to. We stand united with you in insisting that benefit cuts for working families, our seniors, children, and people with disabilities must be off the table, and we stand united with you in fighting for millions of Americans who need Democrats to be firmly on their side."

This battle is far from over. Moving forward, we will work with our allies and members of Congress to protect and expand--not slash--our safety net. We're turning back the malign designs of the "Denial Caucus"--the Tea Party supporters in Congress--who are driving to defund and destroy Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. We cannot Keep Our Promise without your help. Will you contribute to help us?

KeepOurPromise organizers and allies met with 80 Congressional offices July 27th, and led 1,000s of people nation-wide in a call in day. We told Senators and House members that cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security benefits would hurt tens of millions of Americans. Jobs will be lost. Economic growth will suffer. We demand that our politicians keep our promise between generations and among all Americans to preserve, protect--and even expand and improve--Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.

We need your help now! Contributions have been coming in, but not enough to cover our expanding activities. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible).

We're helping to convene a series of Congressional briefings and hearings. We're launching a media strategy to inform and mobilize the public, and holding call-in days to jam the White House and Congressional switchboards. We're explaining that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are not "broke," and do not add to the debt or deficit. We should cut corruption and corporate profiteering--not benefits. To control costs and provide the best outcomes, we need Expanded, Improved Medicare for All. Help us Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

We're working with members of Congress and staffers, the Black, Progressive and Hispanic Caucus, as well as progressive, faith, patients' rights and civil rights leaders and organizations, unions, and more. We convene weekly action meetings to plan lobby days, call-in days, Congressional hearings, town hall meetings, a media strategy and special events. We're holding a massive citizen's lobby day July 20th. We're meeting with 85 members of Congress with a simple message: No cuts to Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security benefits. Let Medicare negotiate with big drug companies on prices. Improve and expand Medicare--don't cut it! Help us Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

Please share the above article with all your friends, and post the blurb below to Facebook and Tweet:

Fight Cuts to #Medicaid #Medicare, and #SocialSecurity Benefits! This is NOT the United States of Austerity! http://bit.ly/keepourpromise #p2

Thursday, July 28, 2011

We met with 80 Congressional offices yesterday, July 27th, and led 1,000s of people nation-wide in a call in day. We told Senators and House members that cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security benefits would hurt tens of millions of Americans. Jobs will be lost. Economic growth will suffer. All Americans will endure hardship and pain if these cuts happen. Help us make sure those cuts don't happen. We demand that our politicians keep our promise between generations and among all Americans to preserve, protect--and even expand and improve--Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Help us Save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.

We're helping to convene a series of Congressional briefings and hearings. We're launching a media strategy to inform and mobilize the public, and holding call-in days to jam the White House and Congressional switchboards. We're explaining that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are not "broke," and do not add to the debt or deficit. We should cut corruption and corporate profiteering--not benefits. To control costs and provide the best outcomes, we need Expanded, Improved Medicare for All. Help us Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

We're working with members of Congress and staffers, the Black, Progressive and Hispanic Caucus, as well as progressive, faith, patients' rights and civil rights leaders and organizations, unions, and more. We convene weekly action meetings to plan lobby days, call-in days, Congressional hearings, town hall meetings, a media strategy and special events. We're holding a massive citizen's lobby day July 20th. We're meeting with 85 members of Congress with a simple message: No cuts to Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security. Let Medicare negotiate with big drug companies on prices. Improve and expand Medicare--don't cut it! Help us Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

Monday, July 25, 2011

AFL-CIO and Progressive Democrats of America Events

Your help and support is needed! Be part of the mobilization to STOP THE CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID on TODAY, JULY 25th AT 5:30 PM AT THE SOCIAL SECURITY COMPLEX IN WOODLAWN in Baltimore!

HELP bring national attention to our protest to say: STOP THE CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID. Send a strong message to Congress.

Please mobilize your members, staff, family and friends to be part of one of our largest demonstrations. These cuts will have a negative impact on our total community.

Tell the House Negotiate Prescription Drug Benefits Under Medicare Part D

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 10am, Longworth Cafeteria

According to economist Joseph Stiglitz the U.S. can save $1 trillion in 10 years by negotiating the prescription drug benefit in Medicare; this is not a tax this is simply applying standard business practices and saving the taxpayers money.

Join us as we lobby the House to protect the benefits in Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. We have prepared packets which show price comparisons between common drugs purchased for the Veterans Administration and Medicare; Medicare often pays up to 48% more for the exact same drugs.

AFL-CIO and Progressive Democrats of America Events

Your help and support is needed! Be part of the mobilization to STOP THE CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID on TODAY, JULY 25th AT 5:30 PM AT THE SOCIAL SECURITY COMPLEX IN WOODLAWN in Baltimore!

HELP bring national attention to our protest to say: STOP THE CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID. Send a strong message to Congress.

Please mobilize your members, staff, family and friends to be part of one of our largest demonstrations. These cuts will have a negative impact on our total community.

Tell the House Negotiate Prescription Drug Benefits Under Medicare Part D

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 10am, Longworth Cafeteria

According to economist Joseph Stiglitz the U.S. can save $1 trillion in 10 years by negotiating the prescription drug benefit in Medicare; this is not a tax this is simply applying standard business practices and saving the taxpayers money.

Join us as we lobby the House to protect the benefits in Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. We have prepared packets which show price comparisons between common drugs purchased for the Veterans Administration and Medicare; Medicare often pays up to 48% more for the exact same drugs.

On July 19, KeepOurPromise helped organize an emergency briefing on Capitol Hill with members of Congress, staff, and experts. On July 20, we met with 85 Congressional offices. On July 21, David Shuster reported that Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Raul Grijalva took our message to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. According to Shuster's comments on Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Rep. Grijalva warned Rep. Pelosi that House progressives refuse to follow President Obama's lead on cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Not only that, but her own leadership position "would be challenged." On July 22, eighty House members joined Rep. Grijalva and the other CPC Co-Chair Congressman Keith Ellison in a letter to Rep. Pelosi which reads in part:

"We are united as Democrats in saying that it’s time to stand up to the Republican hostage-taking. We will not be forced to vote for a 'final agreement' that we do not agree to--and that the American people do not agree to. We stand united with you in insisting that benefit cuts for working families, our seniors, children, and people with disabilities must be off the table, and we stand united with you in fighting for millions of Americans who need Democrats to be firmly on their side."

Thanks to your support, KeepOurPromise is protecting Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Unfortunately, the battle is far from over. Moving forward, we hope to meet with 100 members of Congress July 27th to ask them to join the fight on our side. We will work with friendly members of Congress and pressure other members not to sacrifice our safety net in any political deal. We're working to turn back the malign designs of the "Denial Caucus"--the Tea Party supporters in Congress--who are driving to defund and destroy Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Let's be clear. Thanks to your support, we've met with members of Congress to gain their support. We cannot Keep Our Promise without your help. Will you contribute to help us?

Proposed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security benefits would hurt tens millions of Americans. It would also devastate countless hospitals, medical practices, retirement communities, clinics, and the people they serve. All will endure hardship and pain if the cuts happen. We're fighting back with our Emergency Coalition to Save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. We've created the website KeepOurPromise.org to empower this critically important effort. We demand that our politicians keep our promise between generations and among all Americans to preserve, protect--and even expand and improve--Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Please contribute whatever you can to help. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible) We're setting up a media strategy to inform and mobilize the general public on these issues, and planning call-in days to jam the White House and Congressional switchboards with calls.

We're explaining that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are not "broke," and do not add to the debt or deficit. We should cut corruption and corporate profiteering--not benefits. To control costs and provide the best outcomes, need Expanded, Improved Medicare for All (single payer healthcare). We're working with members of Congress and staffers, the Black, Progressive and Hispanic Caucus, as well as progressive, faith, patients' rights and civil rights leaders and organizations, unions, and more. We convene weekly action meetings to plan lobby days, call-in days, Congressional hearings, town hall meetings, a media strategy and special events. Contribute now to Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

We're holding a massive citizen's lobby day July 27th. We're meeting with members of Congress with a simple message: No cuts to Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security. Let Medicare negotiate with big drug companies on prices. Improve and expand Medicare--don't cut it! We're holding events nation-wide with our allies to commemorate the anniversary of Medicare at the end of this month, as well as Vigils at Congressional offices. The first hearing in the series is scheduled for July 19 in the Rayburn House Office Building. It will focus on the impact of proposed cuts on people in need--and what the American People don't know about proposed cuts. Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security remain at risk. Will you help us prevail? Contribute here. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible).

Saturday, July 23, 2011

On July 19, KeepOurPromise helped organize an emergency briefing on Capitol Hill with members of Congress, staff, and experts. On July 20, we met with 85 Congressional offices. On July 21, David Schuster reported that Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Raul Grijlava took our message to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. According to Schuster's comments on Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Rep. Grijalva warned Rep. Peolosi that House progressives refuse to follow President Obama's lead on cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Not only that, but her own leadership position "would be challenged." On July 22, eighty House members joined Rep. Grijalva and the other CPC Co-Chair Congressman Keith Ellison in a letter to Rep. Pelosi which reads in part:

"We are united as Democrats in saying that it’s time to stand up to the Republican hostage-taking. We will not be forced to vote for a 'final agreement' that we do not agree to--and that the American people do not agree to. We stand united with you in insisting that benefit cuts for working families, our seniors, children, and people with disabilities must be off the table, and we stand united with you in fighting for millions of Americans who need Democrats to be firmly on their side."

Thanks to your support, KeepOurPromise is protecting Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Unfortunately, the battle is far from over. Moving forward, we hope to meet with 100 members of Congress July 25th to ask them to join the fight on our side. We will work with friendly members of Congress and pressure other members not to sacrifice our safety net in any political deal. We're working to turn back the malign designs of the "Denial Caucus"--the Tea Party supporters in Congress--who are driving to defund and destroy Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Let's be clear. Thanks to your support, we've met with members of Congress to gain their support. We cannot Keep Our Promise without your help. Will you contribute to help us?

Proposed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security benefits would hurt tens millions of Americans. It would also devastate countless hospitals, medical practices, retirement communities, clinics, and the people they serve. All will endure hardship and pain if the cuts happen. We're fighting back with our Emergency Coalition to Save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. We've created the website KeepOurPromise.org to empower this critically important effort. We demand that our politicians keep our promise between generations and among all Americans to preserve, protect--and even expand and improve--Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Please contribute whatever you can to help. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible) We're setting up a media strategy to inform and mobilize the general public on these issues, and planning call-in days to jam the White House and Congressional switchboards with calls.

We're explaining that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are not "broke," and do not add to the debt or deficit. We should cut corruption and corporate profiteering--not benefits. To control costs and provide the best outcomes, need Expanded, Improved Medicare for All (single payer healthcare). We're working with members of Congress and staffers, the Black, Progressive and Hispanic Caucus, as well as progressive, faith, patients' rights and civil rights leaders and organizations, unions, and more. We convene weekly action meetings to plan lobby days, call-in days, Congressional hearings, town hall meetings, a media strategy and special events. Contribute now to Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

We're holding a massive citizen's lobby day July 20th. We're meeting with 85 members of Congress with a simple message: No cuts to Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security. Let Medicare negotiate with big drug companies on prices. Improve and expand Medicare--don't cut it! We're holding events nation-wide with our allies to commemorate the anniversary of Medicare at the end of this month, as well as Vigils at Congressional offices. The first hearing in the series is scheduled for July 19 in the Rayburn House Office Building. It will focus on the impact of proposed cuts on people in need--and what the American People don't know about proposed cuts. Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security remain at risk. Will you help us prevail? Contribute here. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible).

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Fight Against Cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

With talks under way between the White House, Senate, and the House, proposals are on the table to cut Medicaid by $100 billion dollars, raise the Social Security retirement age from 65 to 67, reduce the monthly Social Security check, and possibly raise Medicare premiums. We're convening an emergency coalition to save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security here: http://www.keepourpromise.org

Cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security benefits would hurt tens of millions of Americans. It would also devastate countless hospitals, medical practices, retirement communities, clinics, and the people they serve. Jobs will be lost. Economic growth will suffer. All Americans will endure hardship and pain if these cuts happen. Help us make sure those cuts don't happen.

We demand that our politicians keep our promise between generations and among all Americans to preserve, protect--and even expand and improve--Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Help us Save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Visit our website regularly, share it on Facebook, Tweet our articles.

Can't make it to DC? Join our Call-in Day:

We're getting support and interest from Congress members John Conyers, Gwen Moore, Barney Frank, Keith Ellison, Rob Andrews, and Senator Bernie Sanders as well as from the NAACP, Urban League, AFL-CIO, SEIU, NOW, and many others. Can we count on your support too? Please read more and consider making a donation to keep us working for you here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q6J4WAVQVMEWQ Please give $50, $25, $10--whatever you can. We need every one we can get, and every dollar you can spare to continue this fight!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Maybe I was naive, or possibly I'm just too impatient? I tapped into my savings to set up a website dedicated to saving Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security--counting on the support of those who understand the terrible damage cuts would cause. Hoping that people would contribute to support the website. Was I wrong? See and support http://www.keepourpromise.org/

On Sunday, July 24th, we are having a volunteer workday. It’s a great opportunity to see what and how we grow our veggies and fruit and to lend us a hand. We offer the option of coming up on Friday or Saturday evening, camp out and work with us on Saturday and Sunday. We also have limited beds. Get there by 7 AM!

Our farm is 2 hours from DC near Berkeley Springs, W. VA. Bring swim suits and towels to swim in the creek. We’ll feed you. If interested and for directions, contact esiegel2@igc.org

A few considerations:

1. You must be in good shape; bring sunscreen, a large hat, bug spray (although there are no mosquitoes on the farm!); and a water bottle.

2. The work day starts at 9:00am, so you will need to leave by 7:00am (no later than 7:30am) on Sunday. If you have room for others, let us know so we can help arrange for carpools.

3. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate or be responsible for small children.

CSA – COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE – JOIN OUR CSA… And receive weekly fresh vegetables and fruits straight from our farm. Our vegetables and fruits are grown to organic standards and are certified. We also provide some fruits from a local orchard that are IPM raised (minimal pesticide use).

The concept of a CSA is a partnership between a small local farm and people in a near-by city. It offers an interaction with the farm and we sponsor a visiting day to meet the farm workers and in turn allow the farm workers, who work insanely long hours, to meet the folks who are on the receiving end. It makes quite a difference – for both the consumer and farmer. The CSA offers the weekly seasonal pick from the fields. The attached calendar approximates what should be available in which months, but it is not always exact as we are dependent on the whim of Mother Nature. We don't know how much of what will be ready at a given time. Our membership form is also attached. Visit our website for a brief history of CSAs and more details about ours. www.lickingcreekbendfarm.com

Our CSA is divided into 4 sessions. The next session is August-September, the most plentiful. Right our CSA includes peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, Swiss chard, turnips, cucumbers, squash, basil and our tomatoes (including heirloom varieties) are almost ready.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Proposed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security benefits would hurt tens millions of Americans. It would also devastate countless hospitals, medical practices, retirement communities, clinics, and the people they serve. All will endure hardship and pain if the cuts happen. We're fighting back with our Emergency Coalition to Save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. We've created the website KeepOurPromise.org to empower this critically important effort. We demand that our politicians keep our promise between generations and among all Americans to preserve, protect--and even expand and improve--Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Please contribute whatever you can to help. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible) We're setting up a media strategy to inform and mobilize the general public on these issues, and planning call-in days to jam the White House and Congressional switchboards with calls.

We're explaining that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are not "broke," and do not add to the debt or deficit. We should cut corruption and corporate profiteering--not benefits. To control costs and provide the best outcomes, need Expanded, Improved Medicare for All (single payer healthcare). We're working with members of Congress and staffers, the Black, Progressive and Hispanic Caucus, as well as progressive, faith, patients' rights and civil rights leaders and organizations, unions, and more. We convene weekly action meetings to plan lobby days, call-in days, Congressional hearings, town hall meetings, a media strategy and special events. Contribute now to Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible).

We're holding a massive citizen's lobby day July 20th. We're meeting with 85 members of Congress with a simple message: No cuts to Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security. Let Medicare negotiate with big drug companies on prices. Improve and expand Medicare--don't cut it! We're holding events nation-wide with our allies to commemorate the anniversary of Medicare at the end of this month, as well as Vigils at Congressional offices. The first hearing in the series is scheduled for July 19 in the Rayburn House Office Building. It will focus on the impact of proposed cuts on people in need--and what the American People don't know about proposed cuts. Please contribute now to help us Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible).

Friday, July 15, 2011

1. TONIGHT Friday July 15th and ONGOING: Help us Save the Dream in Langley Park2. Wednesday, July 20th lobby day to Save Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in Washington, DC3. Progressive Coalition Meeting 7:30 PM Tuesday, August 9th in Wheaton 4. Support the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, working for you: http://bit.ly/mocoprogress

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1. TONIGHT Friday July 15 and ONGOING: Help us Save the Dream

It was a proud day last Spring when the Maryland Legislature passed the Dream Act, a terrific bill to extend in-state tuition to deserving young people. These are kids who've lived in our state, studied hard at our schools, and want nothing more than a chance to contribute to Maryland's economy as college graduates. With the high costs of college, the Dream Act is often their only chance at the American Dream.

There's been a great deal of confusion and misinformation about the Dream Act. It will not cost the state a lot of money. In fact, it would more than pay for itself as our young people learn, work, and contribute in our state. It will not deprive any child of documented parents a spot in our excellent Maryland State Universities. The Dream Act guarantees preference for the children of documented parents.

So why is the Dream Act at risk? A well-funded, largely out-of-state operation is spreading misinformation. They're trying to exploit the Dream Act as a wedge issue for political purposes. They used new, high-tech methods and a huge war chest to generate countless petitions to overturn the Dream Act. It seems the anti-Dreamers have the signatures they need to put this on the ballot, but not so fast! They didn't count on us!

You can help! Volunteers are working together to Defend the Dream. We need you to check the signatures to make sure they're valid. Early indications are that many of them may be questionable at best.

Progressive Democrats of America and allies will bring a simple message to Congress: Don't cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. Let's Medicare negotiate prescription drug prices. Lift the cap so millionaires pay their fair share. End the wars, redirect funds to meet human needs. In honor of Medicare's Anniversary, we want to improve and expand the program, not cut it!

Report on progress in our county and state on Healthcare, the Environment, Education, Labor, Transportation, Energy and other issues. We're building up our coalition and lobby efforts on the state and national level, planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working on meetings with legislators, and other organizations.

Progressive Democrats of America and allies will bring a simple message to Congress: Don't cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. Let's Medicare negotiate prescription drug prices. Lift the cap so millionaires pay their fair share. End the wars, redirect funds to meet human needs. In honor of Medicare's Anniversary, we want to improve and expand the program, not cut it!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Reminder: Monthly Progressive Action Meeting Join us to plan our next steps today, Tuesday July 5th, 7:30 - 9 PM. Let's make our own fireworks for progress after the 4th!

We've been working with members of Congress and the Maryland General Assembly to achieve Progress.

Our insiders report Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are facing deep cuts and radical changes. We need to strengthen and expand these programs, not cut them. We're building a coalition working for the People's Budget, progressive revenues, cuts to corporate loopholes, and protecting programs people need. We're working to wrap up the wars, and shift resources to better use: creating jobs, providing healthcare, and more. Also: report on our US Senate lobbying efforts for equality.

Our insiders report Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are facing deep cuts and radical changes. We need to strengthen and expand these programs, not cut them. We're building a coalition to work for progressive revenues and cuts to corporate loopholes, not programs people need. We're working to wrap up the wars, and shift those resources to creating jobs, providing healthcare, and more. Also: report on our US Senate lobbying efforts for equality.

Join us to plan our next steps tomorrow, Tuesday July 5th. Let's make our own fireworks for progress after the 4th!

Please join our call for equality! PDA members will be lobbying with our sister United for Equality coalition members in the Senate Wednesday and Thursday this week. We need your support! Your calls will help raise awareness for the visits. See below for background information, a call-in script, and tips for a successful call.

National Director Tim Carpenter said, "We strongly endorse Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin's Resolution [HJ Res 47] to 'remove the deadline for ratification and clarify that upon ratification by three additional states, the Equal Rights Amendment will be added to the United States Constitution.'"

PDA National Board Member Rep. Woolsey said: "It is with great pride that I stand with this bipartisan group in support of the long-overdue Equal Rights Amendment..... Here’s the text of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, 'Section 1: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.' Replace the word 'sex' with 'race', and there would not be a single dissenting vote in the entire United States Congress."

Please call during working hours through July 1st. You can follow up in about a week, and ask if your Senators have made any decision yet. For a direct line to your Senators, use this action alert.

Tips for a Successful Call

Ask to speak with the Senator's staffer working on constitutional and/or women's issues. If that person is unavailable, ask to leave a message on their voice-mail. Note: It's critically important to stress that you're calling to support a resolution removing the time limit from the ERA, not the "start over" new ERA legislation. Please limit your remarks to this issue only. Include your own experiences which pertain to the ERA. MORE INFORMATION: See: United4Equality.com and U4E's Facebook page.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Please join us in the Senate office buildings this Wednesday and Thursday to lobby for quick ratification of the ERA.

We'll meet in the Dirksen Senate Office Building Basement Cafeteria at 10 AM(Closest Metro Stop: Union Station on the Red Line)

Even if you can't make it, please share this email with all your progressive local lists, contacts, feminists and ERA supporters.

United for Equality (U4E) is organizing meetings with Senators and their staffers this week to gain a sponsor and cosponsors for HJ Res 47, the measure to lift the time limit from the ERA. 47 would allow ratification of the ERA upon the votes of three state legislatures.

38 states are required, and 35 have already voted to ratify. Rep. Tammy Baldwin 47, and there are currently about 2 dozen cosponsors in the House. U4E and coalition member Progressive Democrats of America set up a national call-in effort this week, with people from all around the country calling their Senators to express support for 47. We'll cover all the key Senators' offices.

Even if you didn't make the training session, you can still join the effort! No one will be thrown in over their head!

We'll meet ahead of time to prepare. By the time we start lobbying, we'll all be ready to make history.

We'll have talking points, and folders to give Senators and staffers. We'll work in teams of 3 or more.

People lobbying for the first time will be teamed with experienced lobbyists.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Healthcare NOT Warfare in the Senate.

Last Push--Deadline 5 PM ET Monday!

Dear Friend,

On Tuesday, June 7, PDA joined our friends, National Nurses United/California Nurses Association (NNNU/CNA) in a hugely successful rally and lobby day in Washington. Over 2,000 people attended the rally in the morning, before dozens of citizen lobbyists headed to the Hill to meet with Democratic senators or their aides.

We delivered our letter, asking for a significant troop withdrawal from Afghanistan beginning in July and to support Sanders' single-payer bill (S. 915)—signed by more than 16,000 peace advocates—to all the members of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Although we fell short of our goal to collect 25,000 signatures by June 7, the Senate is still considering the Defense Authorization Act, and we're still actively seeking more signers. At our meeting with Sen. John Kerry, we promised to deliver 10,000 more signatures on June 21. We're close to reaching that goal, but your signature can put us over the top and beyond. Click here to help us surpass our goal.

Thank you to our friends at NNU/CNA, U.S. Labor Against the War, Labor Campaign for Single Payer Healthcare, Healthcare-NOW!, CODEPINK, RootsAction, and United for Peace and Justice, who also circulated the letter among their members.

A special thank you to PDA Advisory Board member Thom Hartmann, who featured Healthcare NOT Warfare co-chairs Donna Smith and Norman Solomon on his June 8 program. Watch it here!

If you have already signed the letter, thank you. Please ask your like-minded friends and family members to sign it, too. If you haven't signed it yet, please sign here and pass this along. (Remember to delete the "unsubscribe" link at the very bottom of your forward before sending.)

We're closer than we've ever been to ending the war in Afghanistan, and the issue of spiraling healthcare costs is still unaddressed. The time is ripe for Healthcare NOT Warfare. Please help us top our goal.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Help bring our message of Healthcare NOT Warfare to the Senate Sign the Letter PDA is bringing to the Senate Democratic Caucus

Prominent peace and justice advocates have signed this letter. Please add your signature by completing the form below. The letter was delivered to the Senate as part of the June 7 Rally with the Nurses and Citizens Lobby Day with over 16,000 signatures. We will continue to gather even more signatures as the Senate debate continues.

To: The Honorable Senators of the Democratic Caucus U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Still going! Sign the Letter to Senators for Healthcare NOT Warfare! PDA will keep taking your signatures to the Hill to demonstrate strong support for our values--peace and expanded, improved Medicare for all. Share this with all your Facebook friends, on email, etc. Thank you! http://bit.ly/senate-letter

Friday, June 17, 2011

Reminder: you're invited to join us TOMORROW to prepare for our Lobby 4 Equality June 29, 2011(Please share this email with all equality advocates and feminists you know.)

We're working to gain ratification for the the Equal Rights Amendment which states:

"Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex."

Join Montgomery County NOW, Maryland NOW, Progressive Democrats of America, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance and friends who are teaming up to lobby Congress in support of House Joint Resolution 47 (HJ Res 47) under the leadership of United 4 Equality, LLC : http://www.united4equality.com

This is an inexpensive, good restaurant. People can get tea or coffee or a dessert--or nothing.

INSTRUCTOR Andrea Miller, PDA's National Deputy Field Director has graciously offered to host our lobby training this Saturday at no cost to attendees. Andrea is a seasoned organizer and former Congressional candidate from Virginia. She will be speaking at the National NOW Conference next weekend in Tampa and will prepare us for our big day in two weeks.

FACILITATOR Mike Hersh, PDA, MCPA and MC NOW, will discuss plans for upcoming events and ways we can all support the ERA 2015 campaign effort.

3. LOBBY DAY / CALL-IN DAY Wednesday, June 29 Senate Office Bldgs 10am - 6pm If you cannot make the training session, you can still join the lobby day effort! We'll meet ahead of time at the Senate Office Bldgs. to prepare you. By the time we start lobbying, we'll all be ready to make history.

BACKGROUND: "47" is an exciting, new strategy developed by an MC NOW member and founder of United 4 Equality, LLC, Carolyn Cook, urging Congress to remove any time limit for ratification of the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment. Her proposal avoids "starting over" (that would require 326 representatives, 67 senators and 38 states to pass).

Instead, "47" safeguards victories previously won in Congress and 35 states to end sex discrimination under the Constitution and ensures that a path to equality exists in perpetuity for the final three states needed. It is imperative as corporations seek 2012 candidates willing to do their bidding that citizens recognize the advantages in establishing equal rights for all under law.

Updates on the ERA: Thanks to the hard work and leadership of United for Equality, we're gaining more House cosponsors. This week, feminist advocate, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, joined Maryland's Chris Van Hollen and Donna Edwards, and DNC Chairperson Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Keith Ellison, Dennis Kucinich, and others on "47". Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin introduced the bill in March.

We are currently seeking a Senate sponsor for introduction. Prime targets are Al Franken and Lisa Murkowski among others. Lobby Day will target the Senate Judiciary Committee where Ben Cardin sits. Of course we won't forget to visit our own Barbara Mikulski to ask her to back HJ Res 47.

REMEMBER: No one will be thrown in over their head! We'll work in teams of 3 or more. People lobbying for the first time will be teamed with experienced lobbyists. We will gather at the Senate Office Buildings 10 am on Wednesday, June 29th. We hope to cover all the key Senators' offices. We'll have talking points, and folders to give Senators and staffers.

The resolution and Sanders' S.915 express the intent of the Healthcare NOT Warfare campaign, which is to eliminate unnecessary military spending and redirect those funds to meet the very real need for comprehensive health coverage for all.

The vast majority of Americans are facing economic hardship brought on by policies that have favored the elite over working families. Foreclosures, high unemployment, bankruptcies, and loss of equity, savings, and pensions, accompanied by the rising costs of food, education, gasoline, and energy, have impacted the lives of most Americans.

While much of this problem was created on Wall Street and the failure of regulatory bodies to protect us, we recognize that the spiraling costs of healthcare and continuing to fight a war of choice in Afghanistan are responsible for a significant portion of the national debt and the hardships many Americans face.

With two major spending bills facing the Senate—the Defense Authorization Act and the 2012 budget—we encourage Senate Democrats to offer amendments that will cut unnecessary military spending and redirect those funds to providing healthcare for all and preserving and expanding Social Security and Medicare.

As peace and justice advocates, we expect our Democratic Senators will follow the lead of the Party that elected them and act in compliance with the will of the majority of U.S. citizens by taking necessary steps to begin a significant drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, beginning in July, as dictated in the DNC Resolution. In addition, we ask that Democratic Senators move to contain the spiraling costs of healthcare and address the 47 million Americans currently lacking access to healthcare by co-sponsoring the American Health Security Act of 2011.

The Progressive Working Group supports a wide political, economic and social agenda for the state of Maryland based on progressive principles and practical, effective solutions to the challenges we face. We promote progressive campaigns and candidates to advance the quality of life for all. We work to promote activism and participation by Maryland residents through outreach and education. We challenge candidates and elected officials to advance progressive values in their legislative actions. Many progressive groups are working on issues in Annapolis, often with limited cooperation or communication with other groups. The Progressive Working Group will create opportunities for progressive organizations to share information, assess legislation, as well as learn from and cooperate with each other on issues affecting the well-being of Maryland’s residents.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Progressive Neighbors/Progressive Working Group Legislative Forum at IMPACT Silver Spring this Sunday January 23rd.

WHEN: Sunday afternoon Jan. 23rd, 2 p.m. WHERE: IMPACT Silver Spring – 825 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring WHY: Maryland faces a significant budget deficit. Will it be balanced on the backs of working Marylanders or will more progressive solutions be offered? WHO: Sponsored by Progressive Neighbors and Progressive Working Group. Hosted by Impact Silver Spring. For more information: Email malakoff@starpower.net or 301-587-5559

The forum will begin at 2:00 PM. If you are able to come at 1:45, we will be inviting people to come at that time to personally meet and speak with their legislators. To date, 10 senators and delegates have confirmed that they will be participating: Senators Raskin, Manno, and Madaleno; Delegates Hixson, Mizeur, Hucker, Luedtke, Gutierrez, Cullison, Robinson, and Carr.

Transparency and Equal Access in Government: This includes measures to make the Maryland General Assembly (GA) and other MD government deliberative bodies more transparent and promote equal access of petition for all individuals and organizations. After impressive successes last year (TEAG’s first year in existence), this year TEAG is pushing for (among other things): 1) all votes taken in all General Assembly subcommittees should be roll-call votes, recorded and posted on the GA website in a timely manner along with a brief description of the subject being considered; 2) a tracking of each bill that does not get reported out of committee, should be posted on the web along with a listing of the Committee where it stopped, and who was chairing that committee; 3) the Bill Hearing process should be overhauled so that the order in which bills are scheduled to be heard is posted on the website 24 hours in advance, and testifiers can sign up online the day of the hearing; and 4) all motions made in ALL committee proceedings should be recorded and summarized, and posted on the web along with the submitter's name. (For this designation of "committee" we include all Committees, Workgroups, Councils, Panels, Commissions, Boards, and Task Forces that are authorized and/or adjuncts to the General Assembly).

Combined Reporting: With the pressing budget crisis in Maryland, combined corporate reporting will generate needed income (potentially $100 million or more per year) from large multi-state corporations that are not paying their fair share in taxes – in many cases these corporations are actually not paying corporate income taxes to Maryland at all. They are able to manipulate the tax code to shift income reporting to states with low or no corporate income taxes. Besides hurting Maryland's Treasury and important government programs, the current situation also gives these multinational corporations an unfair competitive advantage compared to in-state businesses that cannot take advantage of these loopholes.

Offshore Wind Power: The current proposal for a moderate-sized wind farm (about 600 MW) would create thousands of Maryland jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance. A recent study by the Abell Foundation stated that offshore wind power could produce the equivalent of two thirds of Maryland’s current electricity demand. >From 2002 to 2009, electricity prices rose 75 percent in Maryland. Wind energy prices are typically locked in for 25-year contracts, offering an alternative to current and future price hikes for fossil fuels. Currently, significant regulatory and market barriers exist at the state and national level that stand in the way of developing Maryland’s offshore wind potential. CCAN, the United Steelworkers, Environment Maryland, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, and the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter are working together leading an effort to bring offshore wind power to Maryland. Gov. Martin O'Malley plans to introduce legislation this year that would require utilities to enter into long-term contracts for offshore wind power. For more information, see: http://www.marylandoffshorewind.org

Public Financing of Campaigns: Introduced in the 2010 legislative session as “The Clean Money Bill (SB 681), this measure would reduce the undue influence of special interest campaign contributors in the Maryland General Assembly by creating a voluntary, publicly-funded way to run for legislative office. How it works: To participate in the public funding of campaigns system, a candidate must demonstrate board community support by collecting a large number of small contributions in the district she or he wishes to represent within a specified amount of time. If successful, the candidate receives enough public funds to wage a competitive primary and, if she or he wins, general election campaign. If a privately financed opponent outspends her or him, the candidate receives offsetting funds up to a certain point.

Health Security Act: Single-payer (Medicare-like) health care financing for Maryland. Federal health care legislation, the Affordable Care Act, will not provide all Marylanders with health care, nor will it control costs to individuals or the state. Based on previous studies an upcoming economic impact study by the Lewin Group is expected to demonstrate that a single-payer, tax-financed, privately delivered system will save money, help businesses and provide comprehensive health care for all Marylanders. Maryland’s Medicaid bill accounts for over half of the budget shortfall, but the Health Security Act would cover everyone for less money. In 2010 fifty legislators supported the legislation.

Costs of War / "Fund our Communities--Bring the War Dollars Home": Maryland’s contribution to the FY 2010 Pentagon budget was $13.65 billion. Meanwhile, the entire Maryland State budget was $13.9 billion. We need to redirect spending from the Pentagon to local communities. That way, we can fund veterans’ services, jobs, education, the environment, infrastructure, and housing. PWG will work with members of the Maryland General Assembly to draft and sign a letter to Maryland's representatives and senators in the U.S. Congress. The letter will advocate national legislation to reduce the annual military budget by 25%, with savings to support state, local and community needs. For more information, see: http://ourfunds.org